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Kim out to exploit Ryder high

American looking to maintain fine form from Valhalla

Last updated: 26th September 2008

Kim: Celebrates US victory at Valhalla

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Anthony Kim is hoping the high created by America's Ryder Cup victory will help him at this week's Tour Championship.

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The rookie won 2½ points on his debut at Valhalla, including a memorable 5 and 4 triumph over Sergio Garcia in the singles on Sunday.

The 23-year-old conceded the enormity of the occasion had taken plenty out of him, but is still hoping to be competitive at East Lake Country Club this week as the FedEx Cup play-off series comes to a climax.

"There better be (enough energy)," Kim stated. "I mean, I'm playing against 29 other players who deserve to be here who played great golf for a number of tournaments to get here.

"The Ryder Cup did take an emotional toll on me because our team did grind so hard. We put everything we had into it.

"But it's what we do for a living. You've got to get up, be ready to play and go out there and try and make some birdies.

"Coming off an emotional week at the Ryder Cup was an experience I'll never forget and hopefully it's something I can draw back on going into this week."

Of the US team's celebration on Sunday night, he added: "I had a couple of adult beverages but it was all in good fun. It was just a time to blow it all out and have some fun. Now I'm here, here at East Lake."

Looking to improve

Kim, ranked ten in the world, expects the triumph in Kentucky to help further his already blossoming career.

The youngster - held up by many as the man to challenge Tiger Woods' dominance of the game - has two PGA Tour wins to his name this season but insists he has already identified the areas of his game he needs to work on in the months and years ahead.

"I just had the best week of golf in my entire life, the best experience of my life, something I'll never forget," he added. "It's something I'll cherish for a very long time.

"It meant a great deal. Everyone that played in the Ryder Cup is a good player and there were no easy matches out there. On any given day, Sergio could beat me and I could beat Sergio.

"I know all about Sergio and we've become good friends. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. So it was a challenge that I really wanted.

"But I've already figured out a couple of key points in my game and some flaws that I need to get better for next year.

"I'm already planning that out, starting to figure that out."